How do I tell if my writing is too ham-fisted? - Writers Forum

suzakugaiden · 07-25-2006, 10:35 PM

Okay, currently reading a book with, uh, what, I would call rather heavy-handed prose (and that hand is firmly curled into a fist, and holding a whole pig).

So I realized, "Oh snap. My own writing could be JUST as turgid." But... when you're writing it, how can you tell? How do you differentiate between being a pretentious little (expletive) and being an actual prose stylist while you're working?

Krim · 07-25-2006, 11:53 PM

Get criticism from others. Go to your buddylist, find the people who would be most honest, and ask them 'does this seem too long-winded?' or etcetra. Even better if they're a mix of writers and non-writers. Post it on this forum, unless you're afraid of plagarism or something.

As for writing being ham-fisted...

I should really make a joke concerning that term, but...

meh.

Mike C · 07-26-2006, 02:21 AM

You can't tell.And at this stage, you shouldn't care. Get the words on the page, write until it's done, and don't show anyone.

When you're done, put it aside for a while. When you get it back out you'll read it with fresh eyes, and you'll know whether your prose is silk or sow's ear.

mammamaia · 07-26-2006, 06:12 PM

agreed!... and, now that you've read enough of the bad to be able to tell the difference, if you restrict your future reading to only the good stuff, you'll find yourself writing that way, more or less naturally...